Sparkling Jewels Project is funded by TEARFUND – United Kingdom and was started in August 2015 with an aim of improving the livelihoods of young and vulnerable mothers (Sparkling Jewels) below the age of 24 from the informal settlements of Kiambiu in Kamukunji Sub County, Nairobi County. The Project contributes to Sustainable Development Goal no. 8 – promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Sparkling Jewels.

The project engaged 120 Sparkling Jewels in skills for behavior change, technical skills in demand driven trades, spiritual nurturing, building of social assets, networks and relationships in order to ensure they live a purposeful, dignified and self-reliant lifestyles.

The project in partnership with Youth And Success Association (YASA) and collaboration with Education For Life (EFL) trained and empowered the Sparkling Jewels in life skills training, wilderness activities, spiritual development, career re-envisioning, entrepreneurship skills; vocational training and placement, employability skills, ICT Literacy skills, mentorship, leadership skills and marketing skills. For holistic empowerment, the project engages other stakeholders namely various national and county government departments, Churches, Mentor Mothers / Fathers, spouses and parents of the Sparkling Jewels.

The project to-date boosts of fundamental behavior change among the 120 Sparkling Jewels demonstrated by engagement in practice and constructive ventures, increased self-esteem and sense of work, emergency of positive role models among the young mothers, creation of self-employment, improved relationships with their significant others and improved parenting skills.